Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Scott Durham, 325-653-4576, ms-durham@tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO – Joshua “Josh” Blanek has been named the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources in Tom Green County effective Aug. 19, according to County Judge Mike Brown and Scott Durham, AgriLife Extension administrator in San Angelo.
“We are very pleased to have Josh join us here in AgriLife Extension’s West Central District,” Durham said. “He’s a native San Angeloan, who was very active in the 4-H youth program while growing up. He’s gone on to establish himself as a top educator within our agency over the past dozen years in several locations. Tom Green County is one of the leading counties from an agency standpoint in the state and has a rich and long-lasting AgriLife Extension history, and I’m confident Josh will only strengthen that heritage in the coming years.”
Blanek earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a finance/management supporting concentration from Angelo State University in 2001, and a master’s in agricultural education from Tarleton State University in 2007.
He transfers to Tom Green County from a similar position in Andrews County, where he headed a countywide educational effort in adult agricultural and natural resource commodity areas, Durham said. He also lead the county’s strong 4-H and youth development program, which centered around livestock projects, program management, leadership development, volunteerism and resource development.
Blanek began his career with the agency in 2001 as an AgriLife Extension agent in Williamson County, a position he held until 2005 when he transferred to Somervell County. He then transferred to Andrews County in 2011.
With each move, Blanek was able to work closely and effectively with both youth and adult audiences in an equal balance, Durham said.
He is active in the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association and currently serves as the secretary of the association’s Animal Industries Committee.
Blanek fills the position most recently held by veteran AgriLife Extension agent Steve Sturtz, who resigned earlier this year to enter the private sector.
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